Japan Demands Harsh Penalties for Suzhou Assault Incident
In the past year, Japanese citizens living in or visiting Suzhou, southeastern Jiangsu Province, China, have faced two violent incidents, raising concerns over rising xenophobic sentiment in the region. On July 31, 2025, a Japanese woman was injured in a subway station attack, while her child remained unharmed. This incident followed a similar knife attack on a Japanese woman and her child in June 2024.
Top Japanese government spokesman, Yoshimasa Hayashi, made a strong statement at a press conference, urging China to swiftly apprehend suspects, punish perpetrators under the law, prevent future incidents, and ensure the safety of Japanese nationals living in China. The Japanese Embassy in China has issued safety warnings, advising Japanese residents to remain vigilant, especially when accompanied by children, and to be cautious about suspicious individuals.
The latest attack left the Japanese woman with non-life-threatening injuries. Chinese authorities have detained the suspect, and investigations are ongoing. However, local police in Suzhou have not yet released detailed public statements as of early August 2025.
The Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry in China has expressed regret over these attacks. The incidents coincide with 2025 being the 80th anniversary of China's victory in the Second Sino-Japanese War, during which anti-Japanese sentiment is perceived to be heightened, partly fueled by cultural and historical commemorations in China.
Japanese nationals living in or traveling to China, particularly Suzhou, should follow embassy safety advisories, maintain heightened situational awareness, avoid isolated places, and report suspicious behavior promptly to local authorities and their consulate. This situation remains dynamic as investigations continue and diplomatic efforts are ongoing to prevent further incidents.
Key Points Summary:
- Two violent attacks on Japanese citizens in Suzhou, China, in the past year.
- Japanese government urges China for swift action, punishment, prevention, and safety assurance.
- Japanese Embassy issues safety warnings to Japanese residents.
- Rising xenophobic tension between China and Japan reported in 2024-2025.
- Japanese nationals should follow safety advisories, be vigilant, and report suspicious behavior.
- Investigations ongoing, with Chinese authorities having detained the suspect in the latest incident.
In light of the recent attacks, Japanese citizens living in or visiting Suzhou, China should prioritize their safety, especially when in crowded places or accompanied by children. The Japanese government, through the efforts of spokesman Yoshimasa Hayashi, is urging China to apprehend suspects, enforce justice, prevent future incidents, and ensure the safety of Japanese nationals. Meanwhile, the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry in China has expressed regret over these events, acknowledging the heightened anti-Japanese sentiment coinciding with the 80th anniversary of the Second Sino-Japanese War.
